Although nothing is technically "ending", I needed to publicly say "Thank you" to everyone in this group, and involved with the team.
This experience has truly been the highlight of my year. Actually, who am I kidding...of many years.
Your kids have literally changed my life. They have restored my faith in humanity, and have given me new hope for the future.
I know, that sounds pretty dramatic, and maybe like a bit of hyperbole, but it's actually just an accurate statement.
In NICA coaches training, we are taught about "dealing with cell phones" and bullying, and eating disorders and dysmorphia problems. We are warned and trained to deal with parents who seem to be reliving their "glory days" through their kids. Frankly, by the end of training, I was asking myself, "What did I just sign up to do? I don't need to volunteer for extra problems in my life."
So we started the season, and I tried to wear my best "coach" hat, and was open to the idea that this experience might be more counciling than bike riding and teaching.
So when the first practice came and went, and I didn't have any drama to report or attend to...I was surprised.
And when the next practice came, and I still hadn't even seen a cell phone, I started to think, "Maybe our kids are just weird."
And when a bunch more practices and rides got under our belts, and I never had to yell at anyone, and all I saw was happy faces, and support, and hard efforts, and really earnest, really good kids...well...I started to feel honored (and maybe lucky) to be a part of this.
I think I can speak for the whole coaching staff when I say: we hope we have given your kids, even a portion of skills, dedication, and happiness that they have given us. I know none of us will EVER forget this first season.
We might not have been perfect as coaches, or as team members: but when perfection was never the goal, maybe that means we were all "just right" for each other.
Thank you all so much for allowing me to be part of this wonderful first season.
In coming weeks and months, we will keep the momentum moving.
Look for posts about the upcoming post-season party, race opportunities, and rides.